Senate Democrats go after Trump on Chinese trademarks

SHANGHAI (AP) — Democrats in the Senate are telling President Donald Trump his acceptance of a valuable trademark from China without asking Congress first is unconstitutional. Thirteen senators warned the president in a letter Thursday that they intend to hold him accountable.

United States President Donald Trump speaks during a listening session with manufacturing CEOs in the State Dining Room of the White House on February 23, 2017 in Washington, DC. Pool/Olivier Douliery via Associated Press SHANGHAI (AP) — Democrats in the Senate are telling President Donald Trump his acceptance of a valuable trademark from China without asking Congress first is unconstitutional. Thirteen senators warned the president in a letter Thursday that they intend to hold him accountable.

"You swore an oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States," they said. "We intend to hold you accountable to that oath."

The letter comes in response to China's Feb. 14 award of a trademark for construction services to President Trump. Critics say that violates the emoluments clause of the U.S. Constitution, which bars public servants from accepting anything of value from foreign states unless approved by Congress.

Trump and a related company hold 126 pending and registered trademarks in China.